Alabama Driver Manual Chapter 3 Steering, Backing, and Turns

POSTURE AND STEERING Good posture behind the wheel is important. Good posture makes for better vision, control, and the ability to maneuver in an emergency. Sit erect, comfortably gripping the outside rim of the steering wheel with both hands. Keep thumbs up. Don’t grip tightly, but keep a firm grip. Always keep both hands on the wheel, except when necessary to remove one for signaling or other necessary operation.

Push-Pull-Feed Steering Safer because hands never leave the steering wheel. Hold steering wheel with right hand resting between 3 and 5 and left between 7 and 9. One hand pushes the wheel up toward 12 o’clock. At the same time, the other hand slides up to 1 o’clock for the right turn(11 for left), grasp the wheel, and pull it down. While pulling hand goes down, the pushing hand releases its grip and returns to original position.

PUSH –PULL-FEED STEERING This method lets you keep both hands on the wheel at all times. It helps to reduce fatigue on long drives and gives better control in emergency situations.

Steering Hand-Over-Hand Method in which a driver’s hands cross when turning. To turn right, use your left hand to push the wheel up, around, and down. At the same time bring your right hand across left forearm to grip wheel on far side. Then use your right hand to pull the side of the wheel up, around, and down. Reverse these for a left turn.

Hand positions on the steering wheel Picture the wheel as a clock and place hand at following positions: Hands should be positioned at “8 and 4”, “9 and 3”, or “10 and 2” Any of these positions provide you the best control in an emergency situation. It is recommended to use “8 and 4” if your vehicle has driver side airbags.

Thumbs Up With any of the hand positions, always rest thumbs on the wheel, not wrapped around. This is safer and a more relaxed, comfortable hold.

Starting from a Parking Place When backing from a parallel parking spot, look over your shoulder, as well as, your rear and side view mirrors. Wait until clear before moving into traffic. Signal your intention with your blinker Enter traffic in the nearest lane and remain in that lane until it is safe to change into another lane.

Backing When backing in a straight line, the left hand should be at the 12 o’clock position. The right hand/arm should be positioned so that the shoulders can turn. When backing to the side, use both hands on the steering wheel and look over your shoulder in the direction you are turning. Make quick glances to the front as your front end swings out. Keep looking back until you come to a complete stop!!!

ON THE ROAD You must drive within a single traffic lane without weaving from one lane to another or straddling the lane markings. You are in a traffic lane when driving on any street or highway. Often lanes are not marked, but they are there whether marked or not.

Rules for Turns Plan ahead and prepare for the turn. Don’t make the decision to turn at the last moment. Be in proper lane well before turn. Signal the direction you plan to turn. Signal your intention at least 100 feet before making a turn (and before your begin braking). Reduce your speed and check for persons and vehicles in your turning path. Pedestrians have the right of way over the motor vehicle. Reduce your speed before making the turn. Turn into the proper lane. Always turn into the closest legal lane. Make sure in advance that it is safe to turn. Check to the front, rear, and sides for cars and pedestrians. Watch for situations developing in the street you will be entering. Make sure your signal cancels at the completion of the turn.

Turning from Four-Lane Highways RIGHT TURN Enter the right lane well in advance of the turn and make a tight turn into the right lane of the cross street. LEFT TURN Move to the lane nearest the center line or traffic divider and turn from the inside lane. Avoid a wide swing during the turn. Enter the cross street just to the right of the center-line. Some intersections are marked to permit turns from more than one lane and you may make your turns as indicated by signs or pavement markings.

Examples of Turns

Examples of Turns

3 Point Turn When making a three point turnabout, turning your vehicle around so that you are driving in the opposite direction from the direction that you were traveling, MUST be made without endangering other traffic. Normally permitted where your vehicle can be seen for a great distance and where traffic is such that making a 3-point turn would not constitute a hazard. Not permitted on freeways, on curves, near the top of a hill, in front of drive ways, or in an intersection. They are governed by local ordinances and there may not be a sign to warn you.

3 Point Turn Process Check traffic, signal intention, and stop as close to right edge of the curb as possible. Do not run off the roadway. Check both directions and make sure you have a 20-30 second gap. Signal for a left turn. Check left mirror. Look over left shoulder. (1)Turn wheel sharply to the left and move vehicle slowly across the opposite lane.

3 Point Turn Process Stop the vehicle just short of the curb. (2) Shift to reverse. Turn the wheel sharply back to the right. Back the vehicle just short of the opposite curb. (3) Shift to drive. Turn wheel sharply to the left and move into the proper lane. (Remember to signal intention if necessary)

CURVES Slow down before entering curves because of the danger of running over the center line or leaving the roadway. A driver should enter a curve slow enough to enable him to accelerate slightly when actually rounding the curve.